Quote:
Originally Posted by Brad M
Colin,
I like your answers and you are the type of driver that we respect.
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You like Colin's answers because he tells you what you want to hear. I'm the man in black round these here parts because I speak the truth and nothing but. And as the old saying goes, the truth hurts.
Refrigerated is a very low-margin business - even worse than dry-van. So when you see a smaller company running new Petes and pay for all dock time it should raise some red flags and sound alarm bells. Because to justify all that chrome and hourly pay, they're going to want you to cook the book to git er done. And they're also going to want you to pull for peanuts as well - something your good buddy Colin forgot to mention.
You see, the problem with reefer is too many stops and too many strange appt times with long waits. Not that much drop-n-hook and you must fuel the reefer which means additional logbook entries. Many perishable loads which are extremely time-sensitive and thus appt times are very rigid and inflexible on both the shippper and receivers end. For example, if you're hauling a load of paper towels in a dry van, they can usually move the appoint time around. If you're hauling a load of produce, it's a whole different ballgame. And with the new HOS, you can't stop the 14-hour clock once it starts.
Been there, done that. If you're still interested in reefer, look for a more respectable carrier such as Marten or Shaffer. Or go ahead and listen to Colin. It's no skin off my back as I'm only here to send the message. It's up to you to take the info and make the best decision for yourself and your family. Best o' luck to ya' either way.